He also coached Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney, with a coaching record of 336 wins, 181 losses and four draws.

Former Tiger Matthew Richardson told Sports Today that Hafey was a ‘terrific inspiration to so many people’.

‘It’s a sad, sad day for the footy community and the Richmond football club,’ he said.

Tigers’ CEO Brendan Gale has praised Hafey for the example he set for getting the most out of life, with the club to pay a tribute to the legend at Saturday’s game against Melbourne at the MCG.

Richmond Football Club has released the following statement:

Richmond is mourning the passing of the greatest coach in its history, Tommy Hafey.

The four-time Tigers’ premiership coach died today after losing his battle with cancer.

Hafey, who also was named coach of Richmond’s Team of the Century in 1999, and is one of only five Tiger ‘Immortals’, was 82 years old.

“This is an extremely sad day in Richmond’s history, to have lost a giant of the Club in Tommy Hafey,” said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.

“Tommy means so much to the Richmond Football Club. He has had an enormous influence on so many people connected with the Club.

“His coaching achievements at Tigerland are legendary, and he was a constant source of inspiration to the Yellow and Black.

“Tommy was a fine example of how to get the most out of life – his mantra of hard work, discipline, dedication, persistence, honesty, loyalty, integrity, good health and vitality, was not only the recipe for success on the football field, but success in his wonderful life.

“At this time, our thoughts are with Tommy’s wife Maureen, their children Rhonda, Karen and Jo, and the extended family.”

The Richmond Football Club will pay a special tribute to Tommy Hafey at Saturday’s game against Melbourne at the MCG, with details to be confirmed in the coming days.